Introduction	p. 5
Geography	p. 7
The Chaco
Eastern Paraguay
Climate
Flora and fauna
The capital and other cities
History	p. 19
Before the European conquest
The first Europeans
Independence
A heritage of dictators
War of the Triple Alliance
In between dictators
Stroessner years
After Stroessner
Government	p. 33
Structures of government
Political parties
Current political situation
Economy	p. 41
Brief economic history
Recent economic history
Economic sectors
Trade
Working life
Land use
Environment	p. 51
Forests
Water pollution
Waste treatment and disposal
Conservation organizations
Soy production and the environment
Water supply and sanitation
Flora in Paraguay
Fauna in Paraguay
National parks and reserves
Paraguayans	p. 61
Ethnic groups
Population features
Social classes
Dress
Lifestyle	p. 71
Mestizo heritage
Rural versus urban
Family life
Men and women
Rites of passage
Education
Health
Housing
Religion	p. 85
Native religious beliefs
Catholicism
Other religions
Language	p. 93
National languages
Speech patterns and language usage
Other languages
Arts	p. 101
Literary arts
Visual arts
Performing arts
Folk art
Leisure	p. 111
Sports
Leisure activities
Storytelling
Festivals	p. 117
Day of the Kings (Epiphany)
Saint Blaise Day
Holy Week (Easter)
Saint John's and Saint Peter's days
The Virgin of Caacupé
Historic holidays
Food	p. 125
Typical food and preparation
Drinks
Mealtimes
Eating out
Map of Paraguay	p. 132
About the Economy	p. 135
About the Culture	p. 137
Time Line	p. 138
Glossary	p. 140
For Further Information	p. 141
Bibliography	p. 142
Index	p. 143
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